An International Short Course
in Agroecology,
Integrated Pest Management (IPM),
and Sustainable Agriculture
June 14 - 24, 2009
Michigan State University
Organized by the Institute of International Agriculture at Michigan State University in Collaboration with the IPM-CRSP
Cooperating Departments and Units at Michigan State University:
Kellogg Biological Station
NSF - Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) Project
Center for Integrated Plant Systems
Department of Entomology
Department of Crop and Soil Sciences
Department of Horticulture
Department of Plant Pathology
Department of Agricultural Economics
Department of Sociology
Course Rationale
Globally, countries are trying to increase the productivity and profitability
of the agricultural sector of their economies, to feed growing populations
and increase the quality of life for millions of people. Those goals must be
achieved through practices that sustain those gains while protecting the
environment and human health, and conserving biodiversity and other
natural resources. In this context, ecological approaches to food production are increasingly important as alternatives to conventional, high input approaches.
Agriculture throughout the world is in the early stages of a new biological
revolution. Research has led to rapid advances in biotechnology and to a
greater understanding of biological processes. This course is designed to help participants better understand the management of new technologies and biological processes toward the ends of achieving higher productivity and enhancing environmental quality within the context of available inputs of more traditional fertilizers and chemical pesticide technology.
Course Description
Michigan State University (MSU) is recognized as a center of excellence in
international agricultural development and training. A multidisciplinary
faculty will organize a two-week course focusing on the principles of
agroecology, integrated pest management (IPM) and sustainable agriculture. The course will provide meaningful exposure to topics related to appropriate technology. The course will also address the social and equity issues in agriculture. Participants will receive background information and publications on these subjects.
Course Components
- Concepts and Principles of Agroecology, IPM and Sustainable Agriculture .
- Ecological Opportunities in Agricultural Productivity: Insects, Pathogens, Weeds, Nutrients, Soil, and Water .
- Agronomic Opportunities in Agricultural Productivity.
- Agroecosystem design and Systems integration.
- Environmental consequences of various systems.
- New Horizons in Agriculture.
- Biotechnological approaches to agricultural production.
- Ecologically based pest and nutrient management.
- Social Concepts.
- Organic Production.
- Integrated Natural Resource Management, including Soil, Water and
- Biodiversity Management.
- Extension Strategies, Adoption/Acceptance of New Technology.
- Information and Training Resources in Agroecology, IPM and Sustainable Agriculture.
- Field Visits to Agricultural Research Stations and Innovative Farmers Sites.
This course will help participants in structuring research or extension
programs around the concepts of agroecology. MSU is a leader in agroecology, IPM, sustainable agriculture and genetic technology research with expertise and experience in systems interactions and biological processes. Multidisciplinary projects at MSU are generating information on what drives biological processes and on managing them for efficient production and resource conservation. MSU faculty, representing diverse disciplines, regularly conduct training programs in local and international settings.
Application deadline: May 31, 2009
Registration Fee: $250 (Non-refundable)
Course Fee: $3,000 (Course fee includes the instruction fee, information packages, local travel, meals and lodging expenses. Course fee is non-refundable after May 31, 2009.
Download a brochure (click here)
For more information contact:
Dr. Dieudonné Baributsa
Institute of International Agriculture
332 Natural Sciences Bldg.
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824, U.S.A.
Phone: (517) 432-5525
Fax: (517) 353-1888
Email:baributs@msu.edu
or
Dr. Karim Maredia
Institute of International Agriculture
416 Plant and Soil Sciences Building
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824, U.S.A.
Phone: (517) 353-5262
Fax: (517) 432-1982
Email: kmaredia@msu.edu
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal opportunity institution.
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